Editorial Mix: Cookies, Relationships, And Tolstoy

Bah. After about 15 minutes of staring around the room, desperately trying to come up with a fresh idea for an editorial, I've decided to alter the formula a bit and rant - kinda randomly - on a few different subjects. Forgive me, but with weekly editorials and Week in Reviews for nearly three years, I can't come up with new topics all the time. ;)

What you buy at Stop & Shop...that ain't cookies

Both of my parents are fantastic cooks and of course, they're seriously miffed that I can barely toast bread. But this means I'm typically privy to decent food and the one thing that drives me nuts is when people buy those giant plastic containers of "cookies" at the grocery store. I place "cookies" in quotation marks because I'm not sure what they even are. They taste like cardboard. Cardboard with old shortening. Those of you who have tasted good cookies, with good homemade and organic ingredients know just how awesome a cookie can be.

And while I'm on the subject of food, the next time someone tries to tell me there's no difference between gourmet food at a decent restaurant and a chain like freakin' Applebees or some sh** (except price), they're gonna get swatted. It's not my fault you can't even taste the massively over-processed crap they're calling food these days, but if you honestly believe people are dumb enough to pay more money for the "same" food, you're too stupid to chew that horrid food.

Don't mean to be a food snob. I eat some junk here and there, too. But don't tell me there isn't a difference.

Relationships. ... ...... 'no comment'

I just don't know what to say. I have three friends who are either married or engaged and I'm relatively certain these friends should be happy. And maybe they are. But I've known these people for many, many years and these days, they just seem...well, not themselves. I don't want to say they're unhappy; that would be inaccurate, they just seem more...distant, I guess. They seem to have a mist over their eyes of some kind; they smile and laugh less; they're constantly tired and not anywhere near as willing to try something new. In short, it's like they went to bed 30 and woke up 50. And I find this very, very unsettling because while I have no interest in having kids myself, I am not against the family; in fact, I think it's crucial in a civilized society. And as far as marriage goes, I don't have anything against that, either (despite the fact that it's not exactly a logical theory).

The point I'm trying to make is this: as sad as it may seem, I don't see a lot of incentive right now to do the marriage (or kid) thing. My friends are getting more and more out of shape, they have less money than they've ever had (and some make more than me), they're a lot less cheerful than they used to be, and me...well, I come and go as I please...I drive an 07 M35x...I've got a little money stashed away...I do what I want, when I want. Now, there are many who will say this can't compare to love and family and what have you, and I do believe you...but my eyes are telling me otherwise. It's a little depressing.

I just may want a PhD in classic literature

You know, if this whole gaming journalism doesn't last me a lifetime, I might want to go back to school and get an advanced degree of some kind in classic literature. I have a Bachelors in Psychology (fat lot of good that did me, but whatever) and I've cultivated a very intense love of the classics over the past four or five years. My favorites include George Eliot's "Middlemarch," Thomas Mann's "The Magic Mountain," Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude," Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights," Wilkie Collins' "The Woman in White," and I just know the book I'm currently reading, Leo Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina," will become another one of my favorites. I have always been in awe of literary mastery; this level of brilliance just amazes me. "The Magic Mountain" may be the single most impressive piece of literature I've ever read and I've concluded that Mann must've been a legitimate genius. I just love reading such things, even when I know most won't touch such dense content with a 10-foot pole.

Anyway, I could go off on a long rant about how I honestly believe that the less we read, the further we fall as a society (laugh all you want), but I won't. Let's just say that I often believe I was born about 150 years too late. I think I would've done very well in the Victorian era. ;)

10/9/2009 Ben Dutka

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Comments (Beta)

hezzron73
Friday, October 09, 2009 @ 10:28:23 PM
Reply

Wow....what are you drinking tonight?

9 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, October 09, 2009 @ 11:23:17 PM

I don't drink. ;)

8 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, October 09, 2009 @ 11:51:52 PM

that would be absinthe

5 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 12:07:01 AM

HA.

0 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 12:30:28 AM

Drinking's overrated

Sure I'd let the babes drink, but why should I lol?

way overrated, you don't need drinks to have fun ;)

7 up, 1 down

Wage SLAVES
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 12:58:35 AM

Ugh, I HATE alcohol! Awesome to know that one of my virtual icons dislikes it too! I have an ex that bloated BAD when she started drinking...

2 up, 4 down

Alienange
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 1:45:15 PM

What the hell??? You guys don't drink? I'm not talking about the getting plastered every friday crap, but what the heck do you drink when you're eating pizza or chicken wings or doritos? You trying to tell me you don't have a beer with that?

3 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 2:49:18 PM

That's exactly what I'm telling you. I drink water, mostly.

All alcohol is vile, IMO.

3 up, 3 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 3:25:23 PM

Alcohol is a vile concoction, in all sorts, but its true I rather enjoy the ritual with absinthe though. Typically I drink whiskey and I wouldn't recommended it. But ya know... it kinda comes with being a writer. I wish I had Ben's willpower.

1 up, 2 down

www
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 5:31:38 PM

Bottled water for the win! But I may drink sometimes but nothing comes close to water.

1 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 6:23:35 PM

World: Heh, it's not willpower. I genuinely hate the taste of all alcohol.

2 up, 2 down

Alienange
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 6:43:37 PM

Just ... wow

2 up, 0 down

ffrulez
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 7:50:40 PM

*cough* ecstasy.. >.>

0 up, 0 down

mackid1993
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 10:57:05 PM

i love bottled water, and coke zero. ben you should do more of these "personal" editorials. they are very fun to read. :)

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Alienange
Friday, October 09, 2009 @ 10:32:24 PM
Reply

I've asked before and I'll ask again, Who the heck are these friends of yours? As a married person I do like playing mind games on the single folk, but your friends are just taking it too far.

2 up, 0 down

Karosso
Friday, October 09, 2009 @ 10:39:37 PM
Reply

OK now, you got me into trouble there!
Going to B&N and getting myself a copy of "The Magic Mountain" tomorrow :)
I did read Marques but it was "Love in the Time of Cholera" and I had to go and read it again right after I finished. Too bad none of my friend has any appreciation for the classics... I'm the guy who always push friends to read more and I got some good results... My ex-girlfriend who is Chinese and would not read anything in English is now addicted to books thanks to a B&N card and a couple hundred dollars in gift cards.
Tell me about real food, my mother can cook some Brazilian food that taste 10 times better than most restaurants and I'm not the only one who thinks so :)
The only two things that I can prepare are Brazilian Soup and Banana cake and they taste great but anything else is just ok :(
I'm dog-sitting for my boss this weekend and its hard enough with a pet, can't even imagine having to take care of a child...
Hey Ben do you like Dumas?

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, October 09, 2009 @ 11:21:15 PM

Just a warning about Magic Mountain. It is extremely dense and, while not necessarily difficult to read, is loaded with theories of genius that are tough to comprehend. It's also long. ;)

But you might like it. I liked Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez is fantastic) but I do prefer One Hundred Years of Solitude.

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GuernicaReborn
Friday, October 09, 2009 @ 11:24:58 PM

I wish I could get into books like this, but I just never had an interest in the classics. I like to read about War and American History. I'm reading Flyboys now, and I'm not sure I like the authors attitude but it's interesting none the less.

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Karosso
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 11:17:39 AM

Thanks about the warning but I been reading series of books that are about 1000 pages each and about 8 in a series so that won't scare me at all. Also I love reading classics in old English and with language still representative of the time in which the work was created.
I just downloaded "Anna Karenina" into my iPhone for free. Most of the classics that are over 35 years old can be had for free, what a great time to be a fan of the classics :)

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 12:36:16 PM

Oh, it's not the length. That's not what makes it challenging. Trust me. :)

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Karosso
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 4:43:05 PM

Stop teasing me Ben the more you try it the more I think I'm gonna love this book :)

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Sir Shak
Friday, October 09, 2009 @ 10:55:52 PM
Reply

I can't say I agree with the home cooked stuff Ben because the food at my home sucks . That's why I eat atleast one meal outside everyday .

3 up, 2 down

Banky A
Friday, October 09, 2009 @ 11:30:55 PM

I know what you're thinkin'.. MacDonalds. Ohhh yeah that's right my man.

1 up, 2 down

Sir Shak
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 8:29:54 AM

Mcdonald's isn't my kind of place . I only consider it when it's too late in the night or too early in the morning for most other restaurants to be open .

2 up, 1 down

GuernicaReborn
Friday, October 09, 2009 @ 11:19:16 PM
Reply

I hate Applebee's and Outback, mainly because everything is drenched in salt. I ate at Applebee's twice, the first time they left paper on the cheese on my burger and the second time I got the runs from some quesadillas. Local restaurants is where it's at. There are really great Greek, Lebanese, Italian and Bosnian restaurants within 10 minutes of where I live, and they are all locally owned.

I can only make a few things. I learned how to make Hummus, Kibbi, Falafel, and Tabouli from my grandmother and I could live off of it. Obviously, I'm lebanese, lol.

Also, there are a few things here that I can't find anywhere else. Anybody here ever heard of Tomato Pie, Utica Greens, Chicken Riggies or Half Moons? Just recently I found out what a garbage plate was when I went to Rochester, NY. What are some local delicacies from your area?

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, October 09, 2009 @ 11:22:39 PM

See, that's the problem. I don't have any "local delicacies." All I've got are chains. I'm so BORED.

I have to drive at least a half-hour to get anywhere near good; independent restaurants with extraordinary food. It's not too far, but it's not like that stuff is right down the road.

Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 10/9/2009 11:22:52 PM

3 up, 0 down

TGG
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 10:59:54 AM

See what ya' mean. I live in a pretty small town so local restaurants are all over the place. I don't buy cookies, never tried the store ones, however I do have the same attitude towards "pancakes" and anything not made by scratch that easily could. Homemade cooking is just too awesome, barely anything else is comparable. Yummmmm....

P.S: Anna Karenina is pretty good, try reading Resurrection or The Kingdom of God is Within You, both are by Tolstoy and both are really good.

1 up, 0 down

GuernicaReborn
Friday, October 09, 2009 @ 11:34:59 PM
Reply

Wow I think I'd go nuts if I didn't have good places to eat close by. That's one of the best things about living in Central NY, the food.

Hey, if you're ever driving down I90 in New York, I'll tell you where to stop. I know some really good places to eat, anywhere between Exit 31 and Exit 45, lol. I'm a huge fan of Dinosaurs in Syracuse, I'm sure some people here have heard of it.

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TheHighlander
Friday, October 09, 2009 @ 11:43:41 PM
Reply

Nice editorial.

In brief, you are most correct about food and cookies. The slop we call food today is too cheap. Cheap food has a price you know, and it's a price that most would be unwilling to pay if they knew the truth.

Not sure about marriage aging you like that, personally I think I've been far more adventurous since marrying.

As for reading. I am in complete agreement, the less reading we do, the further we fall as a society. IIRC there is a correlation between the reading age of people and their intellect. I don't think I need to spell it out, I think that it's clear what happens when people read less...

4 up, 3 down

TheHighlander
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 11:35:19 PM

Thumbs down for this comment? Wow, there must be a lot of knuckle dragging book burners out these days, how can you get voted down for pointing out that people who read less are on average less intelligent, and this has a negative effect on society?

3 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, October 11, 2009 @ 12:06:46 AM

I agree. But there are some banned trollers who still lurk around giving people thumbs downs for no apparent reason.

Just ignore it.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, October 09, 2009 @ 11:52:45 PM
Reply

A bad writer writes more than he reads.

0 up, 0 down

ArnoldK PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 12:00:32 AM

Hahaha, chalk me up as shit then. :p Well, okay, maybe not. I've read more than my fair share of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky (among many others). But where as my girlfriend enjoys taking out a few books and reading through them all in a matter of two weeks, I'd rather sit on the internet and read the news all day, be it world, tech., automotive, or gaming.

I don't read books these days anymore. But I sure do read online, quite a bit. Dunno' what that makes me.

7 up, 0 down

GuernicaReborn
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 12:21:02 AM

I read online too. News mostly, and some Creepypasta here and there.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 12:31:16 AM

Reading is reading (for the most part).

So long as you do it, your mind remains sharp and active. I believe those who don't read on a frequent basis are less sharp, less responsive, less quick mentally and overall.

You don't have to read the classics. Reading the news and other articles is still reading.

7 up, 2 down

Scarecrow
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 12:34:48 AM

I'm just like Arnold, I can't STAND books.

The boredom of reading books is unbearable.
Online is the new form of reading. Sure there are those with horrible grammar: w00t, l33t, omg, etc.

But then there are journalistic sites/wikis etc. which are very informative.

If anything, on the net you're learning proper sentence structures as well as practicing them. Something you can't do with books.

That said, I've always gotten As and Bs in those English, Science, History courses so it just proves books are unnecessary.

I don't mind articles though.

0 up, 2 down

Wage SLAVES
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 1:03:09 AM

@ Arnold...

:) I nearly fell outta my seat! Thanks for the laugh!!!

I guess I'm a bit the same. The world condition nowadays has me reading the news...F-the tv (FoxNews), that is reserved for escapism (gaming). I really don't know why I still have cable...Xplay??? That's with them being all over M$ sack.

Last edited by Wage SLAVES on 10/10/2009 1:04:09 AM

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 3:27:36 PM

Yeah I never meant a person needs to tackle the tough stuff to stay sharp behind the keyboard, anything will do in my opinion. Keeps you open to new angles.

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www
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 5:34:19 PM

Yep! I agree with all you, I much rather prefer reading online than holding a book.

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Scarecrow
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 12:38:10 AM
Reply

Ben, I gotta say, I have a friend who's 23 and he's all like "you gotta think 'bout marriage, man." I'm like "hell no!" lol.

Seriously, you have to enjoy life to its fullest BEFORE you get married/have kids.

Don't worry 'bout it man. Just get married when you think it's time

Heck, you don't even NEED to get married at all.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 12:46:22 AM

Yeah, well...tell that to my parents. ;)

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www
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 5:37:32 PM

Yes I gotta admit that too. I see the whole marriage thing as a scary and daunting task. But society has made it so the norm that running away from it makes it seem impossible.
Who ever invented Wedding??????

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 6:24:25 PM

Actually, the norm is now NOT to get married.

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www
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 7:48:05 PM

Really Ben? But it still seems married couples are dominating.

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Wage SLAVES
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 1:11:37 AM
Reply

@ Ben

I just downed a frozen pizza and tea, that I managed to over-brew(gross). My parents are the sam way. I really am a disgrace of food since my mom is touted as the family chef. I would die if it weren't for frozen foods and ramen.

I can't wait to get back home (this Christmas!!!). I can't wait for some proper Tex-Mex food!

***Mexican & Tex-Mex are worlds apart (one is a gamble with ecoli)***

0 up, 0 down

fluffer nutter
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 1:44:19 AM

Mexican > Tex-Mex, always. ;)

3 up, 0 down

Wage SLAVES
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 3:30:51 AM

Eh, I guess I'm really talking about San Antonio...

I've had my fair share of Tex Mex (Houston, Austin not so much Dallas). Used to travel a lot for work then. San Antonio is without a doubt the best Tex Mex.

Last edited by Wage SLAVES on 10/10/2009 3:31:29 AM

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newchef
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 1:27:27 AM
Reply

off-topic- i just saw the new uncharted commercial and it was pretty good

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Kangasfwa
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 1:59:31 AM
Reply

I work for a small restaurant chain (www.marketplacegrill.com) and at a training seminar a couple months back the founders talked about food quality. They talked about the benefits to having an outside company make certain things and all the work that goes into quality control to ensure our signature flavors. They also talked about companies who reduce the price of finished meals (plated entrees). The bigger chains will literally go to these people and say, 'our meals cost X amount, make it cost half that.' We're honestly proud that we don't do that, despite the expenses involved.

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King_Krollen
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 2:26:55 AM
Reply

There's a local place in my home town named Stuffy's. It's mostly a breakfast place but they are opened all day if I remember right (haven't been 'back home' in about 6 years). But they have this dish called 'Stuff'. It has all kinds of things in it hamburger, eggs, green peppers, potatoes, and other things I can't remember. But it comes in two sizes Large and Small... The large size comes heaped on a medium(?) pizza platter. As for cookies... home-made is by far the best, but I have to say that I love me some Double Stuff Oreos from time to time.

As for reading. I do like to read. The classiest I get though is Tolkien, and even his writing bugs me. I read Bram Stoker's Dracula not to long ago. I did like it, but it was a chore to read. My comfort zone is Clive Cussler and Dean Koontz.

As for the marriage and kids thing? Three words: COUNT ME OUT!!!

Last edited by King_Krollen on 10/10/2009 2:29:26 AM

0 up, 0 down

mike rlz
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 2:56:19 AM
Reply

hey ben, 100 years of solitude is one of my favorite books. actually picked it up after listening to 'the sad waltzes of pietro crespi' by Owen. great read and great musician ;)

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Gordo
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 4:28:12 AM
Reply

off topic.
Spent the last six months being entertained on this site with the excellent hosts and the informed members.
Thought it was about time to join up and get involved. I find this one of the best sites on the web as its all good adult fun and respect for the gamers out there.
Recently been playing Valkyria Chronicles, MGS4, GTAIV and IL2-Sturmovik. Too many games and not enough time (work and kids get in the way)!
Anyway, good to meet you all, please be gentle!

Ontopic, having a love of classic literature gives you a greater understanding of the world. If you can conjour up the worlds from a book in your head then you have limitless potential. Very similar to games...
Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment" is one of the best novels. Utterly mesmerising. So
is "a day in the life of Ivan Denisovich" by Solzhenitsyn. If you can read those and not be emotionally affected then you haven't got a heart. Some of the Russian stuff is dark but so good.
The South American mystical realism is very good as well. If you like Gabriel Garcia Marquez try Louis de BerniÃ¨res' South American trilogy. A bit more light hearted but has it's dark edge and is fantastic.

5 up, 0 down

LightShow
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 8:04:17 AM

Welcome to the crue, gordo!

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 10:21:42 AM

Yeah, welcome. And thanks for the kind words.

I've just started my Russian writer expedition of sorts with Tolstoy so Crime and Punishment is definitely on the list. I do want to return to my favorite English writers, too, like Eliot and Wharton.

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Scarecrow
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 11:24:58 AM

Welcome!
While I don't like books, I do akcnowledge that they do open up the mind to so many things.

It's the one of the deepest ways of expression. To me it's just second to great storytelling + visual art.

But yes, welcome!

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Advent Child
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 4:51:34 AM
Reply

I am now a married man by about 5 weeks, there are downsides, but all in all I feel a lot fuller emotionally and happier. Plus she lets me play all the games I want ^_^

5 up, 2 down

LightShow
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 8:02:50 AM
Reply

i will agree with you, there IS a difference with the cookies =D

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Robochic
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 8:26:47 AM
Reply

Been married for a little over 5 years it's interesting.

Ben don't feel bad that you can't cook, neither can I and I have to feed 2 kids and a husband it gets interesting LOL. Lucky to have healthy food premade at our grocery stores but one day I'll have to suck it up and learn. I look forward to getting together for holidays with my folks we eat better LOL, thank goodness for Thanksgiving this weekend :)

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fluffer nutter
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 10:39:55 AM

There's a Thanksgiving in Canuckland? What does it observe? That the English didn't slaughter the natives in Canada? :O

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Fane1024
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 5:39:36 PM

Mostly it signifies that Canadians want an excuse to eat a big turkey dinner.

I wouldn't be surprised if "loyalists" brought the tradition north after the Revolution, but don't quote me on that. It could as easily have been Butterball.

2 up, 0 down

Ultimate_Balla
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 9:09:02 AM
Reply

"You don't know what true happiness is until you're married. . . Then it's too late". LOL. Aaaaanyway

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LinTr
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 10:03:55 AM
Reply

Hmm. One of those moments I agree > 60%. The last two sentences sum up my life with some surprising clarity. You can question your Psych degree relevancy if you wish, but it's ingrained into nearly everything you write. Seriously. Most of what I read from you paints a picture of a Philosopher/Mathematician in a room of books and candles shouting at the world, while enjoying some solitude -_-.

Not married either, (for many of the same reasons you mentioned + much, much more), so I figured I had to learn to cook. Nothing like fixing some non-instant/pseudo-food that sates the belly and warms the being. Couple that with not having to wait on someone to 'feel' like cooking and there's a worthy formula/mantra.

Somewhere in your rant there is a comic book or something...

Yep, took your rant seriously. If I am way off base, feel free to thumb me down to oblivion.

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 10:26:21 AM

Eh, it's an editorial. You're free to see it from whichever angle you wish. I don't mind.

And I can't tell if there's a little something of my education and personality that seeps into everything I write; I'd almost hope this isn't true for the sake of journalistic integrity but it's probably unavoidable. Oh well. :)

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therabbitkinge
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 10:10:37 AM
Reply

Marriage is damn overrated...(im married) wish it didn't have to be this big union or whatever the state considers it with all these political and financial hooks. As it stands I've got one seed running around my home and its a delight ^_^

My wife is a huge reader and a great cook (thank heaven for spanish cuisine) we both love manga and anime games and music and we show no signs of slowing down (hopefully we don't fall into the usual stereotype)

I hear everything your saying and it all seems like your getting bored with the world around you man (pardon me if im wrong) maybe a change of scenery is in order Ben old bean ^_^

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 10:23:13 AM

I'm glad to hear things are going well for you.

And I wouldn't say bored...more like a little more cynical and bitter. It just seems that the things our parents preached - about what will make us be happy - aren't actually making people I know happy. But like I said, I could be completely wrong. I hope I am.

I AM bored of the selection of food around here, though. ;)

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fluffer nutter
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 10:43:50 AM

Come to California and you will NEVER, EVER be bored of the food selection, people selection, scenery selection, activity selection or any selection for that matter. The one question you may formulate out here is "How am I going to do everything available before I die?"

Wow, that looks like a big ad for this state. Trust me, it's not. I just love where I live. Never a dull moment.

Last edited by fluffer nutter on 10/10/2009 10:44:30 AM

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 10:52:35 AM

I believe you.

...but I DESPISE the west coast. Sorry. ;)

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Scarecrow
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 11:30:28 AM

Same here, There's nothing like the Mid-Atlantic and New England

Everything else?......meeeeeeh

0 up, 5 down

fluffer nutter
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 12:14:38 PM

Yeah. I despise the sun. Ha! Sorry, song reference there and I'm lying. All hail the one season a year!

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Fane1024
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 5:44:55 PM

I've lived both places and the west coast is the best coast. : P

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jmo_INDY_Repub1
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 10:44:54 AM
Reply

Ben, you strike me as the not so care free type but who can let loose at times, you enjoy the classics but are not afraid to embrace our future, the kind of man your friends see as the "nerd" or "geek" as you always have your nose in a good book thats too complex for them to understand, or your playing a video game, and I see that as not geekish, but understanding in a lot of different areas or in your case èra. Anyways what I'm getting at is live your life and continue doing what your doing, I applaud you

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 10:55:34 AM

Well, thanks, but that's not really accurate. I'm not as overtly outgoing or forward but I've always been relatively carefree and extremely easygoing.

And while I may have been seen as the geek a long time ago in high school or college or something, I don't hold the mold very well these days, as I've been working out 6 days/week for like 7 years. So at 6'3, 220, it looks like I never read or play games, stereotype-wise. LOL

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jmo_INDY_Repub1
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 11:23:34 AM

Well its hard to judge a man through a computer screen,just my perception,in a way Im glad im wrong,in the fact that your breaking the stereotype.I dont mind getting into a good book once in a while,but my passion is tech.my high school has a program at a nearby career center where I learn about computer optimization and software programming, its something I enjoy deeply and hope to make a career out of. All I was saying is that your happy with your life and where your at, you just want a little diversity.

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 12:23:46 PM

Oh yeah, exactly. We all have to do something we enjoy. :)

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Karosso
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 11:07:24 AM
Reply

you should come to leave NYC Ben!
That's the place to be yourself and find anything and everything that interests you.
And since food seems to be something you enjoy, you could not find a better place, it has variate and quality in ways no other place can match...
I leave in Astoria and here we walk 5 five blocks and find Asian, Colombian, Brazilian, Greek, Italian and much more, and they are authentic cuisine, not the chain crap like Chipotle or others :)

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Scarecrow
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 11:33:12 AM

Only downside to NYC is the overpricing of everything, literally, everything.

But it's one of the greatest places on Earth, hands down.

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Karosso
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 11:42:40 AM

Tell me about it... you have to be really careful with your expenses here but, I still love NY.
Been living here since I came to the US in 95 and can't seriously think of any place I like more. I have been around the country in business trips when I used to sell and design costume jewelry and there are great places to visit like Vegas, LA, Miami, Maine and so on but, it only feels like home when I am back in NYC :)

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jmo_INDY_Repub1
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 12:00:56 PM

I love the mid-west, if you want diversity, this is the place, especially Turkey Run State Park here in Indiana, you must see it in Fall or Winter, absolutely astounding.

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 12:25:11 PM

Arnold and Val are in NY. :)

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kevinater321
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 11:51:35 AM
Reply

Hight five! i can omly make toast too!

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Yo Bona
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 3:01:27 PM
Reply

... no offesne, but I really don't care what insights, advice, philosophies, musings, social commentary, or opinions a 'video game journalist' has to offer on... well, anything (even video games ha), let alone the complexities of being in a serious relationship or how much 'better' the food at George's by The Sea tastes compared to TGIF's... I mean, especially when it's based on things like how he 'feels' his friends 'seem to act lately.'

"... crucial in a civilized society..." and, "I've got a little money stashed away," and, "I'd like to get a PhD." Ha... man, very interesting.

But yeah... awesome opinion, great article.

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 3:20:46 PM

If you don't care, don't comment. And don't insult me by putting "video game journalist" in quotations.

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Karosso
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 4:39:51 PM

"No offense" and still, everything you wrote was offensive.
Funny how you cared enough to comment on it...
Oh wait you don't care... Ah dang it! I'm confused now :p

Last edited by Karosso on 10/10/2009 4:41:40 PM

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www
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 5:40:33 PM

I sense somebody don't like to hear anything about the social aspect of life because said person might not have one,simple!

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Alienange
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 7:04:06 PM

Ah, the classic "I don't care" comment. Time well spent...

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jmo_INDY_Repub1
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 9:50:46 PM

Dude you fail, and Bens the closest thing to a journalist left, he grabs the readers attention while stating the facts in an organized manner. This was just to shake things up and break away from the norm, this wasnt a "Hey im gonna tell you how my life is and you guys accept it while I complain", hes just letting us in on his life and adding the personal touch to journalism. Also, putting video game journalist in qoutations is very disrespectful. So keep your oppinion to yourself. Ok?

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www
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 5:45:15 PM
Reply

I think devs should have a new difficulty level called MARRIAGE, it should come after Veteran/Elite/Insane lol.

I also don't like to think about marriage, I wonder how I'll swerve.

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ffrulez
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 7:51:37 PM
Reply

Theyre less happy cos theyve got like 10 children.

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 8:23:51 PM

None of them have any kids.

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javon_27
Monday, October 12, 2009 @ 3:40:13 PM

well then that's why. the point of marriage is to have children. the longer you are married without children, the less reason to want to be together. there is only so long you can be with someone before going crazy. i'm 25 and I have a 2 year old son. I got married when I was 21. There's definitely ups and downs, but a lot of the problem comes from lack of communication, or insecurities that people have about their spouses.

The other thing is people start to focus on what coulda been, instead of what's there. when you have two people with that same mindset, i'm sorry, but it's time to jump ship. sometimes you have to rekindle that fire and rediscover why you wanted to marry in the first place.

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ZzZ
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 8:00:21 PM
Reply

Reading this editorial made me toss my cookies. (just a joke, not a dis)

A girl named Cookie not able to make cookies, how ironic.

Last edited by ZzZ on 10/10/2009 8:05:33 PM

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Scarecrow
Sunday, October 11, 2009 @ 4:38:34 PM

OMG HAHAHA!

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frostface
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 10:09:49 PM
Reply

I bake some pretty cool cakes at home and they go down well when reading and sippng a cuppa tea.
Don't know if there's any relevance to this thread in me telling you guys that, but if yis would like the recipe for some fantastic fairy cakes (cup cakes), I'd be more than happy to share :)

Really enjoyed the editorial btw!!!

Last edited by frostface on 10/10/2009 10:10:51 PM

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therabbitkinge
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 10:42:47 PM
Reply

Wow Ben its gotta be amazing to sit and realize every once in a while just how many people care about what you say ^_^ a fanbase is a pretty great thing to have and im glad to see your not a cocky jack-off like a few other journalist I could name (none on this site). Good on ya Ben!

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 10:50:30 PM

Oh, I don't think of it that way. I would never tell anyone I had a "fanbase" because I really don't. LOL

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therabbitkinge
Saturday, October 10, 2009 @ 11:58:52 PM
Reply

To modest my man LOL but I hear ya ^_^

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LowKey
Sunday, October 11, 2009 @ 2:53:44 AM
Reply

mmmmm, gourmet food. Twice the price for half the portion. Shouldnt food thats good fo you cost less? Im trying to become a chef and it burns my britches to think of what people charge for good food. As for Ben not being able to cook... huh? I can't remember what it's like no to be able to cook lol. So are you the type that burns the water, Ben? lol. cooking isnt very hard, I never use a cook book. It's more fun trying it by yourself.

Last edited by LowKey on 10/11/2009 3:00:35 AM

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, October 12, 2009 @ 12:40:01 AM

Portion sizes are so goddamn out of control, people have forgotten how to eat. Take a look around if you don't believe me.

You get the CORRECT amount of food when you eat at good restaurants. You get enough to feed an elephant with a tapeworm in crappy chains.

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